Paget to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)
14th December 1864
Sir
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith, for the information of Mr Secretary Cardwell, a Copy of a Letter dated the 12th Octr, No 22, from Rear Admiral The Hon. J. Denman, with its enclosures, relating to the measures taken by him for the punishment of the Ahousett Indians for the murder of the Crew of the British Vessel KingfisherandManuscript image and the destruction of that Vessel.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant
C. Paget
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Elliot
This letter and 11534 enclose further accounts from Admiral Denman of his proceedings against the Indians concerned in the Murder of the Crew of the Kingfisher. See also 11063. We areManuscript image still without any report from the Govr.
VJ 15 Decr
Mr Fortescue
Admiral Denman has had recourse to vigorous measures against the Ahousett Tribe for the murder of the Crew of the "Kingfisher." Two things are remarkable, 1st that theManuscript image operations were so conducted that we do not appear to have lost a man, and 2ndly that the Indians were so hotly pursued that they seem to be reduced to despair and have quarrelled with their Chief and have already given up two of the murderers.
Admiral Denman's other despatch in 11534 mentions that five of the murderers obtained by the expedition to Bute Inlet have been executed, and that Governor Seymour feels certain of obtaining the rest of the Criminals in the Spring.
The necessity of fighting may be lamented, but as the Indians showed in various quarters so daring a spirit of robbery and murder, I can quite believe that the best course for humanity, as well as future security, has been to make them feel the superior power of the White man. If we were only to judge by the event, it seems to prove the soundness of the measures adopted on the spot.
TFE 17 Decr
Mr Jadis
I think you had better draft, for considn, a letter to Admy, ackg this, & saying that Mr Cardwell has seen with much satisfaction the prompt measures taken by the Admiral, and the success which he has attained with apparently no Casualty in the forces employed.
TFE 23/12
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Rear Admiral Denman to Secretary of the Admiralty, 12 October 1864, "reporting proceedings respecting the murder of the crew of the Kingfisher," and enclosing further information on the situation.
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"Schedule of enclosures contained in a Letter from Rear Admiral the Honble Joseph Denman to the Secretary of the Admiralty," no date, no signature, three entries.
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Kennedy to Denman, 27 September 1864, expressing satisfaction at the conclusion of the expedition against the "Indians" accused of murdering Bamfield, and asking that Commander Pike now be sent to deal with the outrage committed against the crew of the Kingfisher.
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Statement of , 5 October 1864, regarding the murder of the crew of the Kingfisher and the sinking of the boat, including the names of the perpetrators and the actions taken by them, signed by Denman, J.P. Coode, J.W. Pike, W.E.L Veale, P.J. Hankin and the mark of the Indian witness.
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Copy, Kennedy to Denman, 14 October 1864, warmly acknowledging the successful completion of the recent expeditions.
Other documents included in the file
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Elliot to Secretary to the Admiralty, 5 January 1865, acknowledging their recent letters relating to "Indian outrages" in Vancouver Island and expressing satisfaction with the prompt measures adopted by Denman in the matter.